Pay indicator



Jun@ 2, 1936. A F AlRE-r 2,043,047

PAY INDICATOR Filed Marc? 22, 1935 A 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 2, 1936. A, F A|RET 20435047 PAY INDICATOR Filed March 22, 1955 2 SheetS-Sheet 2 mvENToR ANDRES FLones LAIRET ATTORNEY Patented June 2, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 7 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful im.-

provements in a commercial advertising system.

The invention proposes the construction of a device by which a commercial advertising system or pay indicator may be very advantageously and interestingly carried out.

It is proposed to arrange the device with a rotative disc divided into sections, preferably one of which is imprinted Dont Pay; several of which io are imprinted with percentages of discounts, and the great majority of which are imprinted with Pay, and to incorporate the disc in conjunction with a stationary pointer and means for rotating the disc for a short period of time only, so that it comes to a stop with the pointer indicating one section.

The plan which may be carried out with the use of the device is as follows: A buyer comes in and purchases the merchandise he needs at a price that he would pay at any other establishment. After having paid the cashier operates the above described apparatus and if it indicates the words Dont Pay, the money is refunded to the purchaser; if it indicates the words Pay 25%, 50%, etc., the difference is returned to the purchaser; and if it indicates the word Pay, the money is retained by the cashier. It is pointed out that the purchaser has paid for the merchandise he needs at a price that he would have paid at any other establishment without risking any money.

The advantage of the system is that it stimulates interest in a particular establishment, and that there is a chance that the customer may obtain merchandise free of charge, or may obtain it at a discount. While the opportunity for the customer to obtain any advantage is small, still it is an attractive system of advertising which is Very effective.

The invention still further proposes the construction of a device as mentioned which is adapted to be operated electrically, or manually, at will.

More particularly, the invention contemplates the provision of an electric mechanism for operating the disc, which mechanism includes a control gear adapted to be shifted, and a mechanical mechanism for operating the disc, but arranged so that when a lever is placed in a certain initial position, the gear is shifted for connecting the electrical device.

Still further the invention proposes the construction of a device as mentioned which is simple and durable and which can be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a device constructed according to this invention.

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 2--2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional View taken on the line 3--3 of Fig. l.

Fig. 4 isa rear elevational View of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on the line 6-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional View taken on the line 'I-'I of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a rear elevational view of a device constructed according to a modiiication of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of Fig. 8 seen as though looking from the right hand side.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view as though taken on the line I-I B of Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is an elevational View taken on the line lI--II of Fig. 10.

The Pay indicator, according to this invention, comprises a hollow body I0 rotatively supporting a horizontal shaft I I which extends from both sides of the body. A disc I2, which is divided into a plurality of sections I3, ISF, I3b and I3, is xed upon one end of the shaft I0. A pointer I4 is mounted upon the body ID and extends over 'a portion of the disc for indicating one of the sections. A master gear I5 is fixed upon the other end of the shaft II. A y wheel I6 is housed within the hollow body IE! and is fixed upon the shaft II.

The sections of the disc II are inscribed with different indicator words. All of the sections I3, which are in the great majority, contain the words Pay; the section I3a the words Dont Pay; and the sections I3b and I3c contain the word Pay, and a certain disc such as 25% or etc.

A gear I8 is free upon the shaft II and is connected to the shaft by means of a one way ratchet connection. This ratchet connection consists of a spring pressed pawl I9 upon one side of the gear I8 meshing with a one way ratchet wheel 20 fixed upon the shaft I I. The ratchet Wheel 20 is arranged between the y wheel I6 and the gear I8. A pinion shaft 2| is rotatively mounted upon the body IIJ and is provided with a pinion 22 which is non-rotative and slidably mounted thereon. The pinion 22 is engageable with the gear IB. A resilient means, in the form of a spring 23, is arranged upon the pinion shaft 2| and acts against the pinion 22- for normally holding it in an idle position.

The pinion shaft 2I is connected with an electric motor drive. More particularly, a bevel gear 24 is xed upon the pinion shaft and meshes with a small pinion upon the shaft of an electric motor 25. This electric motor is operated by a push button switch 26. The electrical connections are not shown on the drawings since they form no part of the invention and will be readily understood by those familiar with the art. The electrical connection is such that when the push button switch is closed, the motor operates, and when released, the motor ceases functioning.

A lever 21 is pivoted on the outside of the hollow body I0 and has a gear sector portion 21 engageable with the master gear I5 for the purpose of spinning the latter gear. The arrangement is such that the outer end of the handle 21 may be quickly and smartly moved in one direction so that the sector gear engages the master gear to accomplish the turning. The lever 21 is adapted to be held in several positions. There is a spring catch 29 mounted upon the body I 0 and adapted to hold the lever 21 in a position with the gear sector 21 above the master gear I5. There is a second spring catch 30 also mounted on the body ID which is adapted to hold the lever 21 in a position with the segment gear portion 21 below or adjacent the gear I5. There is a third spring catch 3l also mounted on the body I0 which is adapted to hold the lever 21 in the position indicated by the dot and dash lines 21a. This latter position, for the purpose of this specication, is called the initial position.

The lever 21 is xed upon a spindle 32 which extends through the wall of the hollow body ID, and at its inner end is provided with a nger 32 engaging above an arm 33 which has one end 33 pivotally mounted upon the spindle. The free end of the lever 33 is in the form of a fork portion 33a which engages upon a shoulder formed upon the hub portion of the pinion 22. The finger 32 is so arranged that when the lever 21 is in the initial position, the finger presses the lever 33 downwards so that the pinion 22 is moved down against the action of the spring 23, and is in its operative position. When the lever 21 is so moved that the handle end moves anticlockwise, the ringer 32' merely idles, and the lever 33 and the spring 23 raise the pinion 22 to its inoperative position.

A fixed stop 35 projects from the outer portion of the body I for limiting pivoting of the lever 21 into the position in which the segment 21 is above the master gear I5. An adjustable pin 36 limits pivoting of the lever` 21 to the second-mentioned position, the ones in which the segment 21 is to the side of the master gear I5. The adjustable pin 36 is slidably arranged in a bayonet opening 31 in the wall of the body I0 so that it may be moved to the position indicated by the dot and dash lines 36', in which position the lever 21 may be moved to its initia position.

The shaft II is rotatively supported in ball bearings 40 mounted upon the walls of the body I0. A ratchet 4I is xed upon the side of the ment.

fly wheel I6 and is engaged by a resilient finger 42 mounted upon one of the walls of the body I0 so that the shaft I I, when it comes to a stop, will be in a position in which the pointer I4 indicates one of the sections upon the disc I2.

The operation of the device is as follows: If it is desired that the disc I2 be operated electrically, the lever 21 is moved to its initial position. The push button may then be held closed for energizing the motor which drives the disc I2. When the push button is released the disc I2 continues rotating because the pawl I4 is now over-running the ratchet 20 which is standing stationary. Thus, the disc I2 is free to rotate until it naturally stops at some position indicating whether the purchaser is a winner.

The device may be operated manually by moving the lever 21 and shifting the stop 36 into position shown in full lines in Fig. 4. Now the lever 21 may be smartly snapped in one direction to cause rotations to be transmitted to the shaft II and the disc I2. Since the segment 21' passes the master gear I4, the shaft II will be free to rotate until it naturally stops. When the lever 21 is moved in the opposite direction, the parts merely idle because of the pawl I9 and the ratchet 20. The catches 29 and 36 hold the lever 21 in either position.

A pointer and handle 45 project radially from the shaft Il by which the disc I2 may be manually turned to a position in which the indicator I4 points to the Dont Pay section. The cashier normally resets the device into this position so as to attract the attention of the customers and impress them with the fact they have a chance to receive free of all charges, or at a reduction, the merchandise that they intended to purchase and pay for.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 8-11 inclusive, a printing device has been incorporated therein for the purpose of printing the result of the pay indicator upon a piece of paper which may be handed to the customer, or may be retained as a record by the establish- The printing device comprises a bracket which is attached upon the body of the device and which supports a gear speed reduction unit 5I comprising a, plurality of gears. The speed reduction unit 5I is provided with a worm 5I at one end meshing with a worm pinion 52 upon a shaft 53 rotatively supported on the body of the machine and equipped with a printing wheel 54. 'I'his printing wheel has its periphery engraved or formed in any other manner to correspond with the notations on the disc I2. A gear 55 is mounted upon the shaft 53 and meshes with a gear 56 xed upon the shaft II.

The speed reduction 5I terminates at the other end in a gear 5I21 upon a shaft 51 and supports a roll of paper 58. One end 58 of this roll of paper engages through a grooved bracket 5S located beneath the wheel 54. A lever B is pivotally mounted intermediate of its ends upon a spindle 6I mounted on the bracket and has its other end equipped with a flat press surface B2. This press surface 62 is located beneath the bracket 59 and operates through a corresponding opening in the bracket. A coaxial spring 63 is mounted upon the spindle 6I and normally urges the block 62 into its lowered position.

The operation of the device is as follows: Simultaneous with the operation of the disc I2, the printing wheel 54 will turn in synchronization therewith due to the meshing gears. When the disc I2 finally comes to rest, the inscription there- Vwith said gear when the lever is in the initial poonV beneath the pointer I4 will correspond with the inscription located in the lowermost central position of the printing wheel 54. The cashier or operator may depress the handle 6U for forcing the end 58 of the paper against the printing surface so that the indication is printed thereon. The printing Wheel 54 is manually inked, preferably by holding an ink pad against it. If desired, an inking attachment may be included. The web of paper from the roll 58 will be continuously moved during the turning of the disc l2 but at a reduced rate of speed due to the gear reduction unit.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is: l

1. In a pay indicator for a commercial advertising system, a hollow body, a shaft extending through the body, a disc divided into sections fixed on one end of said shaft, a pointer on the body extending over the disc, a master gear on the other end of the shaft, a gear free on the shaft and provided with a one way ratchet connection with the shaft, a pinion shaft for connecting with a source of rotation and bearing a pinion relatively non-rotative and slidable thereon and engageable with said gear, resilient means holding said pinion in an idle position, a lever pivoted on the outside of said body and having a gear section portion engageable with said master gear to spin the latter, an initial position for the lever, and means for engaging said pinion with said gear when the lever is in the initial position.

2. In a pay indicator for a commercial advertising system, a hollow body, a shaft extending through the body, a disc divided into sections fixed on one end of said shaft, a pointer on the body extending over the disc, a master gear on the other end of the shaft, a gear free on the shaft and provided with a one way ratchet connection with the shaft, a pinion shaft for connecting with a source of rotation and bearing a pinion relatively non-rotative and slidable thereon and engageable with said gear, resilient means holding said pinion in an idle position, a lever pivoted on the outside of said body and having a gear section portion engageable with said master gear to spin the latter, an initial position for the lever, and means for engaging said pinion with said gear when the lever is in the initial position, and a flywheel fixed on said shaft.

3. In a pay indicator for a commercial advertising system, a hollow body, a shaft extending through the body, a disc divided into sections xed on one end of said shaft, a pointer'on the body extending over the disc, a master gear on the other end of the shaft, a gear free on the shaft and provided with a one Way ratchet connection with the shaft, a pinion shaft for connecting with a source of rotation and bearing a pinion relatively non-rotative and slidable thereon and engageable with said gear, resilient means holding said pinion in an idle position, a lever pivoted on the outside of said body and having a gear section portion engageable with said master gear to spin the latter, an initial position for the lever, and means for engaging said pinion sition, a ratchet fixed on said shaft, and a paWl engaging said ratchet for the purpose of causing the disc to stop in a position in which the pointer indicates one of the sections of the disc.

4. In a pay indicator for a commercial advertising system, a hollow body, a shaft extending through the body, a disc divided into sections fixed on one end of said shaft, a pointer on the body extending over the disc, a master gear on the other end of the shaft, a gear free on the shaft and provided with a one Way ratchet connection with the shaft, a pinion shaft for connecting with a source of rotation and bearing a pinion relatively non-rotative and slidable thereon and engageable with said gear, resilient means holding said pinion in an idle position, a lever pivoted on the outside of said body and having a gear section portion engageable with said master gear to spin the latter, an initia position for the lever, and means for engaging said pinion with said gear when the lever is in the initial position, the pinion shaft having a square portion, and the gear having a square opening slidable on the square portion.

5. In a pay indicator for a commercial advertising system, a hollow body, a shaft extending through the body, a disc divided into sections fixed on one end of said shaft, a pointer on the body extending over the disc, a. master gear on the other end of the shaft, a gear free on the shaft and provided with a one Way ratchet connection with the shaft, a pinion shaft for connecting with a source of rotation and bearing a pinion relatively non-rotative and slidable thereon and engageable with said gear, resilient means holding said pinion in an idle position, a lever pivoted on the outside of said body and having a gear section portion engageable with said master gear to spin the latter, an initial position for the lever, and means for engaging said pinion with said gear when the lever is in the initial position, said engaging means comprising a spring acting against a stationary part and said pinion.

6. In a pay indicator for a commercial advertising system, a hollow body, a shaft extending through the body, a disc divided into' sections fixed on o-ne end of said shaft, a pointer on the body extending over the disc, a master gear on the other end of the shaft, a gear free on the shaft and provided with a one Way ratchet connection With the shaft, a pinion shaft for connecting with a source of rotation and bearing a pinion relatively non-rotative and slidable thereon and engageable with said gear, resilient means holding said pinion in an idle position, a lever pivoted on the outside of said body and having a gear section portion engageable with said master gear to spin the latter, an initial position for the lever, means for engaging said pinion with said gear when the lever is in the initial position, and catches for holding the lever in several stationary positions.

'7. In a pay indicator for a commercial advertising system, a hollow body, a shaft extending through the body, a, disc divided into sections flxed on one .endof said shaft, a pointer on the body extending over the disc, a master gear on the other end of the shaft, a gear free on the shaft and provided with a one way ratchet connection with the shaft, a pinion shaft for connecting with a source of rotation and bearing a pinion relatively non-rotative and slidable thereon and engageable with said gear, resilient means holding said pinion in an idle position, a lever pivoted on the outside of said body and having a gear section portion engageable with said master gear to spin the latter, an initial position for the lever, means for engaging said pinion with said gear when the lever is in the initial position, and

catches for holding the lever in several stationary positions, stops being arranged upon the body for limiting motion of the lever, one stop being adjustable to a position which allows the lever to move to the said initial position.

.ANDRES FLORES LAIRET. 

